General Info
| Brand: | 900 Global |
| Name: | Hook! Orange/Purple Pearl |
| Reviewed: | June 2011 |
| Empty | |
| Coverstock Specs | |
|---|---|
| Name: | S43 |
| Type: | Reactive Pearl |
| Box Finish: | Polished |
| Color: | Orange / Purple Pearl |
| Empty | |
| Core Specs | |
| Name: | NA |
| Type: | Symmetrical |
| RG: | 2.551 |
| Diff: | 0.046 |
| Int. Diff: | 0.000 |
For details on our standard test layouts, please click here.
All three versions of the Hook! use the S43 resin coverstock. The difference is that the S43 cover on this Orange/Purple version is pearlized and polished. This creates easier length on drier patterns compared to the solid Yellow/Red version and the dull Blue versions. This one offers the same strong but controllable breakpoint and back end but on drier lane conditions.
All three testers had their best look on the dry test pattern. The box finish is the biggest influence on a balls’ ability to get down the lane on this type of condition. This new release pushed down the lane beautifully on this low volume oil pattern. All three were playing the middle part of the lane with Cranker playing just outside of the middle arrow.
On the medium pattern, both Stroker and Cranker had the best reactions. For Stroker, the slower ball speed is what allowed the Hook! to perform on the pattern, while Cranker’s higher rev rate was the key to getting the Hook! back to the pocket.
The heavy oil pattern was simply too wet and long for this ball. The shiny pearl cover created too much skid on the wet stuff, making for an inconsistent breakpoint. When we lowered the surface to a sanded 2000 Abralon, we saw the same reaction we had with the Blue version.
Our sport pattern wasn’t the best match up for this one. Like on our heavy pattern, the ball would simply over skid and fly through the breakpoint. Sport patterns with lower volumes would be where this Hook! would be used.
Strengths
What we feel will make this new release stand out is the performance it offers for a relatively low price tag. All three Hooks! offer a different motion. This one is the cleanest through the front of the lane.
Weaknesses
With how clean the Hook! Purple/Orange Pearl is through the front of the lane, it will be temperamental on higher volume patterns. Sanding the cover is a must, or using the Hook! Blue/Blue sanded would also be a valid option for combating these type patterns.
Overall Summary
What a difference the box finish makes! While we were able to throw the sanded Hook! Blue/Blue pearl on our heavy test pattern, we had to use this ball on the drier test pattern. That shows the versatility of this cover/core combination.
